lay down

lay somethingdown

1to put something down or stop using itsynonymput downShe laid the book down on the table.Both sides were urged to lay down their arms (= stop fighting).

2(formal)to stop doing a job, etc.to lay down your duties

3if you lay down a rule or a principle, you state officially that people must obey it or use itYou can't lay down hard and fast rules.it is laid down that…It is laid down that all candidates must submit three copies of their dissertation.

4[usually passive]to produce something that is stored and gradually increasesIf you eat too much, the surplus is laid down as fat.